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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Your all I want for Christmas is a beautiful smooth Love Ballard which takesus back to the days when The Ojay's, Blue Magic and Stylistic ruledthe air waves. Three music veterans The voices of Leonard, Coleman and Bluntare dynamic blend of the Legacy of those years......"A perfect gift for Christmas"

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Some
might think the occupy Wall Street has simply failed an gone away but
this is far from the truth. Yes the lobbyist and special interest groups
who wage smear campaigns would like you to think this is the case. The
OWS is up and running, but like any other movement of the past it has to
reflect on where it's at which is all part of the growth process. For more
info log into my photo blog "Through My Lens" OWS On The Move http://butchleake.tumblr.com

(CORNER TALK REPORT)

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Thursday November 17 is promised to be a day of massive disruption here in NY
as OWS protesters promise to avenge a federal ruling which overturned yesterdays
decision by Supreme Justice Lucy Billings to allow them back into Zuccotti park with there
tents and other property.

For a period of time Justice Billings while coming up the ranks as a lawyer worked for the
ACLU (Civil Liberties Union) and has been sympathetic to such causes in the past.

It is know that the ACLU has been thorn in the cities side over first amendment issues.

The city has been hard pressed to win first amendment issues going back to the Mayor
Giuliani era.

The city regulates it's streets in and around it's Health and Safety statutes.

After short legal wrangling the city won it's move to keep the protesters from returning
as before when Justice Michael Stallman overruled order allowing use of tents.

In the end Justice Stallman found the rules against the accumulation of garbage and
human waste in public places were in his words reasonable.

In court papers the city said the park had become overcrowded and a cesspool
rife with trash, fire hazards and crime which is questionable if you had ever visited
the occupation area.

It's also noted by protest lawyer Alan Levine the rules of no camping were imposed
after the protest began so they are invalid.

Much of the discrepences were being corrected when the city decided to move in
with there strong arm tactics as city officials were looking at a race against the clock
all politically motivated.

The fact if the mayor was running for office such as the presidency this might
have been a different outcome. He had nothing to loose by making the move
he decided on.

It's further noted that Mayor Bloomberg had been in constant contact with
Brookfield Properties considering the mayor's girl friend, Diane Taylor
sits on the board of the real estates giant which owns Zuccotti.

The Park is also named after former deputy mayor John Zuccotti who's
Brookfields chairman of the board.

As it currently looks this is a major mess for all parties involved as the protest
will surely go on into the future with no end in site.....

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

A New York judge issued an order Tuesday morning allowing Occupy Wall
Street protesters to return to Zuccotti Park, just hours after scores of sanitation workers and police in riot gear ordered them out and tore down their tents.

According to city officials they were intending to let protesters return to the park but couldn't allow them to pitch tents and other structures in the park. The mayor said the park would remain closed until legal issues were worked out......

The order from New York Supreme Court Judge Lucy Billings allows
protesters to bring tents and other equipment back into the
privately-owned park where the now-global Occupy movement began some two months ago.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Though the O.W.S. (Occupy Wall Street) movement has been going on for
sometime now there have been some interesting questions that have been
aired among the many participants in Zuccotti Park.

One noted observation was a sign that a protester had over his head which
read "Why Aren't There More Black People here" ? To answer a portion
of this, it was noted a black man not to far away from the man with the
sign was having a heated debate with a number of white men over his
selling of buttons which on observation depicted images of Nubian
culture.

The issue at hand was his selling to make a profit which seemed to not
go down to well with the men who were standing around him.

Now as you walk around Zuccoti Park you can't help but note the number
of venders who are selling there wares and the majority of these folk
are white Caucasian males with some blacks sprinkled in between.

This movement non the less is about the spirit at hand. The less fortunate
the 99% who have come together to air there grievances in relation to
the 1% who control the wealth of the world.

This 1% are the Barons and families who since the birth of this nation
controlled the wealth of the land through forced labor on plantations
in and around ports such as Massachusetts bay colony and New York
where African slave were brought and sold.

Thus Wall Street is a burial ground and the spirits of these slaves still walk
among us.

You be the judge if you so dare! The African American spiritual position
is alive and well........

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Last week though the city and the New York Fire Dept removed six generators that the

OWS movement members use to to power there fixtures such as light and refrigeration in and around Zuccotti Park. They managed to trump the mayor and the city by bringingin field expedient devices such as bicycles and small generators to charge the batteries they vitally need for lighting in there medical facilities, tents and other small compound structures that they built...

For continuing dramatic pictures from the occupation area in Wall Street log into

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

From one side of the globe to the other, protesters have taken to the streets. Whether
they are inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement in New York or by the cries in England and other countries in Europe, they burn with
dissatisfaction about the state of the economy, about the unfair way
that the poor are paying for the sins and wickedness of the rich bankers, and in some cases
about capitalist ideal itself.

Once upon a time it was easy for western politicians and economic liberals to dismiss this as bally who by a misguide fringe group of mindless people. The protester this time have
different aims in different countries. Higher taxes for the rich and a
loathing of financiers is the closest thing to a common denominator,
though in America polls show that popular rage against government overshadow that against Wall Street.

The statistics report, In America 17.1% of those below 25 are out of work. Across the European
Union, youth unemployment averages 20.9%. In Spain it is a staggering
46.2%. Only in Germany, the Netherlands and Austria is the rate in
single digits.

It's no doubt in my mind as I travel around the city and break bread with the protesters down in Wall Street they all have an urgency that something must be done now an it will not go away and be shelved as in the past.

This populist movement can go anywhere in this globalist society that we live as the grievances are broader and wider in scope.

To view recent images of the protest on Wall Street log into http://butchleake.tumblr.com

Monday, October 24, 2011

Protests and actions inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement
proliferated around New York City after thousands
of demonstrators made headlines around the world by taking over Zuccotti Park in Wall Street and marched on Times Square here in New York.

Protesters in a number of cities, especially New York, have rallied
against what they describe as corporate greed, arrogance and power, and
have asserted that the nation's wealthiest 1% hold inordinate sway over
the rest of the population.

The movement has drawn criticism from some politicians who have
characterized it as counterproductive, jumbled and misguided. Others,
though, have lent their support and said the protesters are voicing
legitimate, widespread frustrations regarding the nation's current
economic and political situation.

For more photos about The OWS On The Move Log into Through My Lens at butchleake.tumblr.com

Monday, October 17, 2011

In
image processing, computer graphics, and photography, high dynamic
range imaging (HDRI or just HDR) is a set of techniques that allow a
greater dynamic range of luminance between the lightest and darkest
areas of an image than current standard digital imaging techniques or
photographic methods. This wide dynamic range allows HDR images to more
accurately represent the range of intensity levels found in real scenes,
ranging from direct sunlight to faint starlight.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Having to struggle with much of the politics connected with music industry The Drifters Legends are still in dialog with industry sources in bringing the live show to the Las Vegas stage.

Most of the issues are surrounding all of the bogus Drifter acts that still seem to pop up here and there. The Legends were created out of the need to set the record straight on who the recording members of the Legendary outfit are.

The other day someone asked me why is it that I see everyone else performingand doing what you guys made Legendary? surely they are not better! "I could only say you are absolu.tely right"

Even thoug the Legend will be comprised out of key personnel out of therecording years all of which recorded on some of the Drifters greatest hits.

One or two of the legitimate recording members will continue to performwith there own act but in most cases in violation of the trademarkwhich is still owned by Treadwell and licensed worldwide by PMGPrism Music Group UK .

In the meantime as many of you know we are celebrating once again rising in the chart with many of the songs from both the Atlantic and Bell/Arista years going Gold. Myself and some of the other Legends will be heading to England to receive industry plaques in honor of this occasion.

For more info you may go to the Butch Leake page over on facebook......Enjoy

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

After many years now the Drifters are back in the UK
charts and have been holding there for fourteen weeks.

Sony music who now holds the Bell/Arista recording
that were popular back in the 70s and 80s has released
a new CD Album titled "up On The Roof" The very best
of the Drifters which includes early 60s tracks along
with the popular Bell/Arista cuts to include two new
tracks featuring the current Drifters lineup.

The Drifters for the most part have been a hit makeing
machine for better than a half century now and seem
to be getting stronger even in this current time
of new age music, Hip Hop and R&B/Pop styles.

The new lineup comes with a much lighter sound which
is more in line with todays younger generation with
a little luck should catapulte the act into the future.

Below we compare the hit making years.

Top ten hits of The Drifters on Billboard's Rhythm &
Blues Charts during the Clyde McPhatter era include:

Atlantic Discography

Money Honey.................... 1953 #1

Lucille............................... 1954 #7

Such a Night...................... 1954 #5

Honey Love........................ 1954 #1

White Christmas................ 1955 #3

What'cha Gonna Do........... 1955 #8

Billboard's pop music chart shows the following Drifters
singles ranked in the top thirty hits from 59/64

There Goes My Baby........ 1959 #2

Dance With Me................ 1959 #15

This Magic Moment......... 1959 #16

Save The Last Dance........ 1960 #1
For Me

I Count The Tears............. 1960 #17

Please Stay........................ 1961 #14

Sweets for My.................... 1961 #16
Sweets

When My Little Girl.......... 1961 #28
Is Smiling

Up on the Roof.................. 1962 #5

On Broadway..................... 1963 #9

I'll Take You Home............. 1963 #25

Under The Boardwalk........ 1964 #4

Saturday Night At.............. 1964 #18
The Movies

UK Pop music chart show the following Drifters
singles ranked in the top thirty hits 74/75/76

Bell/Arista Discography

I'm Feeling Oh So................ 1974 #2
Sad

Like Sister and..................... 1973 #2
Brother

Kissin In The Back............... 1974 #2
Row

Love Games.......................... 1975 #33

Down On The Beach............ 1974 #7

Say Goodby To..................... 1974 #7
Angelina

The Cut Is Deep................... 1975 #33

The Songs We Use............... 1975 #7

Your more than a number.....1976 #5

in My Little Red Book

There Goes My First Love.......1975 #3

For more information you can log into http://theofficialdrifters.com

Be sure to keep up with our latest blog info here at Corner Talk Report

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

It should be clear by this day in time to those who havefollowed the Drifters over the years that we are workingwith a brand name which in many ways is like any othername that has become synonymous with what the product is about.

Re-branding is the creation of a new name, term, symbol,design, or a combination of them for an established brand with the intention of developing a differentiated (new) position in the mind of stakeholders and competitors.

However, the main reason for a re-brand is to communicatea new message for a company, something that has evolved,or the new board of directors wish to communicate.

Prism Music Group who now holds the worldwide licensingand management of the group has worked tirelessly inre-branding the name after much abuse and misuse by formermembers, fake groups and even the original management overthe years.

Yet most fail to realize that the Drifters for the mostpart started with much of that concept in mind from thevery start.

Back in the early year of 1954 when the name was acquired bythen the Legendary George Treadwell who at that time managedsuch great stars as Sammy Davis Jr., Billie Holiday andSarah Vaughn the group was managed then through a New Yorkcorporation Drifters Inc.that he formed that same year.

Though Mr. Treadwell owned all the stock in the company,he managed the company with his two partners, IrvingNahan and Louis Lebish. Mr Lebish acted as accountantand bookkeeper for The Drifters Incorporated.

The Entertainment side of the business was handledby Treadwell and was assisted by his wife Fayreneand Irving Nahan.

Working together they exercise complete artisticcontrol over the group. They hired and fired singers whoperformed under the name, paid them salaries, selected allthe music and arrangement and over all made the musicaland business decisions relating to live performances andrecording contracts.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

As you know the Drifters is an on going success story and they arenow performing to thousands of new generation fans across the UK.Non like yesteryear of cost they are attracting a much youngerfan base and this is by design to secure the future of the groupfor years to come.

Not all is happy with this particularly from the earlier generationswho remember the group as it was from the 80s on backward throughthe earlier years.

The United Kingdom for the most part has been the home for the group sincethe early 70s. It has always maintained a solid fan base which has supportedthe act over the years and continues to do so today.

One might argue is the quality the same and there seems to be a lot of mixedopinion about that.Surely the Drifters of old had those solid strong voiceswith that signature base voice and lead sound which became the hallmark ofthe groups success over the many hit songs that we loved.

The young generation of today have been brought up on a much lighter soundof music than the days when the Atlantic, Motown,Philly and Bell Recordsruled the air waves.

The Drifters of yesterday some how managed to cross most music categories from Gospel, R&B on into Popular, yet always maintained that signaturesound that it was noted for.

In my belief the mixed opinion or might one say the generation gap willalways exist.

Back in the US former members of the group The Original Recording ArtistThe Drifters Legends are set to return to the stage in 2012. This shouldbe an interesting contrast between old and new and may turn out to be agood thing as far as history goes.

Foundation must be present to build into the future. Without it you canfind yourself with a crumbling house without leg to stande on. Jazz, Country, Blues, Rock n Roll, R&B no matter what musical innovationyou come up with (is what it is) "The Root"

After a half of century or more The Drifters is a brand name now with more than 60 or more singers coming through it's lineup. Some who were verysignificant and those who are just a short foot note in it's history.All in all the Drifters have a very lush history that will go down inthe annuals of history for all time.

Currently The Drifters Legends are Rick Sheppard, Butch Leake, Joe Blunt,and Clyde Brown all of which are the original Recording Artist who alongwith the Legendary Johnny Moore sang on some of the Drifters greatest hitsfrom the Atlantic years through Bell/Arista period.

The Drifters now are Michael Williams, Damion Charles, Ryan King andCarlton Powell.

In the United States two more former Drifter members still perform withthere Drifters shows Charlie Thomas an Bobby Hendricks.To include a number of fake groups who trade on the name illegally.

The Drifters and The Drifters Legends are currently managed by PMG(Prism Music Group) Who whole the worldwide license for acts andthe Drifters name is still owned by the Treadwell family.

For more information on the Drifters and the Drifters Legends you canlog into http://theofficialdrifters.com Over on facebook there are theDrifters and Drifters Legends pages and my notes a definitive historyon the Drifters Legends on the Butch Leake facebook page.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Well how are you guys out there sorry for being away forso long. Been busy restructuring my online activities...

This writing begins my series of articles titledThe Drifters & The Drifters Legends on the Road.

In any respect many of you out there have been askingme what is the on going situation with the Drifters Legendsas far as debut and up and coming tour dates.

Well it looks as if 2012 will be the launch period for Legendstours. That will be kick off with a tour with the current lineupof Drifters..... Which will repeat the success of the London02 Arena show back in 2009.

There had been speculation that The Original Recording ArtistThe Drifters Legends were coming to Las Vegas this year butas of date that has been put on hold until political issues areresolved, well that's the way things go in show business sometime.

A bit of good news as of this blog the CD Album "up On The Roof"The Very Best of The Drifters has gone gold and has remained 14weeks on the chart...

Recently myself and the rest of the Legends group have beendiscussing strategies for the future to include New Photo sessionsand public relation options. So you should see more activity fromus soon...

As far as the official Drifter group in Europe they continue to performto sellout audiences throughout the UK and have worked hard at promotingthe current CD Album. For more on the great work they are doing loginto facebook and visit there page. You also can log into the official drifterswebsite at http://www.theofficialdrifters.com

Here in the US the pirate groups continue to do there thing so what yousee is not what you get at the best. We will continue to expose those whoclaim to be and are not.

Above a mini documentary outlining where things are to date and someof the plans for 2012 presented by Treadwell & PMG (Prism Music Group)Produced by Bomark Studios UK.

Don't forget you can log into C.T.R. Network information for other newsand updates over on facebook and other activities in my online Networkat http://facebook.com/BUTCHLEAKE

Friday, May 13, 2011

Well as you all might know actress Lynsey Lohan has pleadedno contest to misdemeanor theft of a 2500 dollar necklace.She didn't appear in court but through her lawyer she madeher statement. She is to spend four month in prison andgo through rehabilitation and sessions with court appointedPsychiatrist.

In other news recently Entertainer Prince has band the songbirdWhitney Houston from attending his concerts. It seems as if MissHouston was acting somewhat out of line at a recent performanceand the report said it was due to erratic behavior etc.Let wish that Whitney wins the battle with her demonsGod be willing.

New York- It is reported that Mary Tyler Moore hasbeen admitted into a facility for surgery to remove a benign tumoron the lining of her brain.The 74-year-old Moore gained stardom as a modern suburban housewifeon the 1960s comedy "The Dick Van Dyke Show," and went on to star inher own series as a single woman woman pursuing a career.

Fox TV is to cancel all five of it's on the fence series, the networkhas confirmed. The are to include Human Target, Lie to Me and The Chicagocode are to go, along with comedies Traffic Light and Breaking In StaringChristian Slater. Monday they will unveil the new fall schedule.

Beyonce who looked stunning last night at the Met Ball managed to tickoff photographers who were covering the event and felt they were beingsnub got booed by surrounding onlookers....

Thursday, April 21, 2011

At a time when when life in America was a harsh realitydo to gross poverty, racism, educational and workopportunities were all but a small footnote in the life of theaverage African American. Television was one of theonly escapes from the many social evils drugs, alcoholism,prison and death...Ironic in 50 years how times have changed and yet there isstill a deficit in education on the whole as the averageblack American spends more than 7 hours in front of thetelevision, 2 hours over the national average rate of 5 hoursand 11 minutes, and just shy of four hours per day morethan the average Asian who clocks in at 3 hours 14 minutesof TV viewing. What the math points to is 50 hours of TVweekly and 200 hours a month.A drain on the brain as content is for the most part dictatedby overwhelming commercial appeal, and not by the qualitiesof ideas.Kids today seem to be heading toward a zombie illusionzone where there is nothing worth learning.Some would say this is by design as the media racks up dollarsin it's quest for advertising revenue. For sure much time andmoney is directed towards the study of the social habitsand behaviors of the African American communities as well asany other community but owing to the African American acuteattraction to trends and fads this can lead to an alarmingdestruction within the social structure as a whole.Yes many of us and very vocally point to the state of ourstill separate and unequal public education system whichis in need of much improving, but there is much that wecan do in the home to balance out this deficit of learning.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Well last night as I said decided to take in a movie. Was not surewhat was playing but with luck I stumbled upon a nice period pieceentitled Conspirator.My report, this is an excellent movie and a must see if you are intohistorical films.The Conspirator is a historical drama film directed byRobert Redford. It is the debut film of the American Film Company.The film tells the story of Mary Surratt, the only female co-conspiratorcharged in the Abraham Lincoln assassination and the first woman tobe executed by the United States federal government. The moviestars Robin Wright, James McAvoy, Justin Long, Evan Rachel Wood, Jonathan Groff, Tom Wilkinson, Alexis Bledel, Kevin Kline and Toby Kebbell.

Against the ominous back-drop of post-Civil War Washington and the wake of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, seven men and one woman are arrested and charged with conspiring to kill the President, Vice President, and Secretary of State. The lone woman charged, Mary Surratt (Wright) owns a boarding house where John Wilkes Booth (Toby Kebbell) and others met and planned the simultaneous attacks.

Frederick Aiken lawyer (McAvoy), a 28-year-old Union war-hero, reluctantly agrees to defend Surratt before a military tribunal. Aiken realizes his client may be innocent and that she is being used as bait and hostage in order to capture the only conspirator to have escaped a massive manhunt, her own son, John (Johnny Simmons).

As the nation turns against Mary she is forced to rely on Aiken for her defense as the drama which unfolds leads to her ultimate date with the hangman.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Here chilling in Starbucks listening to Whitney Houston's "Call me Tonight" from the Album "I Look To You". What a great song! It's just what I needed toget through this wet and dreary night in New York's big apple.

Yes I'm a big Whitney Houston fan, and must admit I'm in love with this woman's voice. Trust me when Whitney sings, she knows what she is singing about.

On another note as you know the Drifters are back in the charts after 35yrs.The new lads in Europe are currently holding at #12 on the official UK chart and with a little luck they will move up a notch in the coming week.

Most of you know the group has gone through some personnel changes, like what's new with the Drifters! that's been part of of it style since it's inception.

Spoke to Reese Cannon the other day, he's doing well for you UK fans who misshim in the groups lineup. What of the Legends? that is the Drifters Legends myself and the guys speak frequently with each other and currently planning on getting together in the coming weeks to discuss music matters...... For updates you can log in here at Corner Talk Report or jump over to the Legends page over on Facebook.

The Drifters official web site over all keeps things in perspective. The address there http://theofficialdrifters.com/.

Rolling Stones recent special collectors edition has named The Drifters in the 100 greatest artist of all times category.

In other news Actor Samuel L. Jackson is gearing up to play the role of MartinLuther King here on Broadway. He's played many memorable characters on screen, but now Samuel L. Jackson will portray a legend on stage.

It has been noted that Lady Gaga lately has been looking a little different but the pop superstar wants to let everyone know it's not because of any plastic surgery.

The Bieber has called it quits for a little while as far as Twitterverse goes.The young star says he needs a little time to him self. It seems the social network has taken it's tole on him for the moment.....

Well that's it! need to get out of here and go and check out the movie scene. Will let you know what's looking promising in the coming weeks......

Monday, March 28, 2011

In the UK after 35years The Drifters are in the charts again.With the release by Sony Music the CD titled "Up On The Roof"The very best of The Drifters Entered the UK charts at No. 19 and now has moved to No 17. The CD Features two new tracks titled"Dream Of Me" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"along with classic hits from the 60s and 70s of the group.The Drifters after many years of declining popularitydue to misrepresentation of the name and pirate groups havebegun the climb back to superiority that the group was once noted for.

For info click on the title link above or log into www.theofficialdrifters.com